Talc Dust is Positively Linked to Malignant Mesothelioma
Dusts from New York talc rocks are pointed as the main possible cause of malignant mesothelioma among talc mine workers.
08/10/2012 // Mesothelioma Lawyer 911
The controversial issue about the talc mine and mills of New York was re-examined and researcher found out that tremolite and anthophyllite fibers were detected in dust and lungs of talc workers. This revealed some probabilities that the talc dust indeed is the culprit behind the workers’ disease. These fibers are known causes of mesothelioma.
Murray Finkelstein, a researcher from University of Toronto primarily investigated the data concerning additional cases of mesothelioma in the cohort (group of subjects who have shared a particular event together during a particular life span) which have been posted by NIOSH (The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health). He also used information from the NIOSH website and the Honda report to scrutinize the incidence of mesothelioma during the years 1990-2007.
Result of the study showed that there were at least 5 new cases of malignant mesothelioma in the cohort. And mesothelioma incidence rates were five times higher compared to the general population rate. This leads Finkelstein to make the following conclusion.
“I conclude that: (1) mesothelioma has been diagnosed among members of the cohort at a rate in excess of that in the general population; (2) fibers of tremolite and anthophyllite have been detected in dust and the lungs of talc workers; and (3) these fibers are known causes of mesothelioma. It is prudent, on the balance of probabilities, to conclude that dusts from New York State talc ores are capable of causing mesothelioma in exposed individuals.”
About Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and fatal type of cancer that usually occurs in the linings of the chest and lung (pleura). In rare cases, it also occurs in the cavities of the heart (pericardial), cavities of the abdomen (peritoneal), and in the tunica vaginalis of the testis (scrotum). It is commonly caused by occupational asbestos exposure.
In the US alone, around 3,000 cases of malignant mesothelioma are diagnosed every year. Its number of cases is expected to peak worldwide in the year 2020. Statistics also show that more than 50 percent of patients are expected to participate in emerging clinical trials.
The most common signs and symptoms of malignant mesothelioma include chest pains, shortness of breath, reduced chest expansion, harsh breathing sounds, dry cough, and fluid build-up in the lungs.
Sources and References:
Malignant mesothelioma incidence among talc miners and millers in New York State.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22544543
Malignant Mesothelioma
http://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/malignant/
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